Top Asia MBA Schools by Asiaweek

The Asia MBA Business Schools Ranking by Asiaweek in the year 2000 was a significant milestone in recognizing the growing strength and influence of business schools across Asia. The rankings were determined based on academic reputation, which was judged by the schools themselves, Asian companies, and several international schools. As Asia was undergoing rapid economic and technological growth at the time, the demand for quality business education had surged. This ranking provided valuable insights into which institutions were emerging as leaders in developing the next generation of business leaders.

The 2000 edition of the Asiaweek rankings showcased a diverse range of schools from across the region, spanning countries such as India, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan. This ranking reflected both the regional and global ambitions of these institutions as they sought to offer world-class management education that could compete with the top schools in the West.

At the top of the rankings stood the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, which was widely recognized as the premier business school in India and one of the leading institutions in Asia. Founded in 1961, IIM Ahmedabad was not just a pioneer in India but also a leader in business education across the region. Its placement at number one in the Asiaweek 2000 ranking reflected its strong academic reputation, particularly its rigorous curriculum, focus on research, and strong ties to the Indian business community. The institution's alumni network was extensive, and many of its graduates went on to hold senior positions in major companies, both within India and globally. This network, combined with a high standard of teaching and a focus on case-based learning, helped position IIM Ahmedabad as a top contender on the international stage.

IIM Ahmedabad was particularly renowned for its ability to merge theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that its students were not just well-versed in management concepts but were also equipped to face real-world challenges. The school’s faculty was highly regarded, with many professors having earned doctorates from top universities around the world. IIM Ahmedabad’s focus on management education aligned with the needs of the fast-growing Indian economy, and it became a vital institution in the region’s development by equipping its graduates with the skills needed to lead in both the public and private sectors. The school’s global reach was further reinforced by its increasing partnerships with leading international business schools and its exchange programs that enabled students to gain exposure to global markets.

The second spot in the 2000 rankings went to the National University of Singapore (NUS), a major academic powerhouse in Asia. NUS had long been a leader in higher education in Singapore, and its business school, the NUS Business School, had emerged as a top institution in the region. NUS’ strong showing in the Asiaweek rankings reflected its global ambitions and the rapid progress it had made in the field of business education. The university had built an international reputation by offering an MBA program that attracted students from across Asia and beyond. Its strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership development made it a top choice for students seeking to navigate the rapidly changing business landscape of the 21st century.

NUS Business School’s close ties to both the public and private sectors in Singapore gave its students access to a wealth of resources and networking opportunities. Its faculty members, many of whom were internationally recognized experts in fields such as finance, strategy, and marketing, contributed to the school’s academic rigor and strong global reputation. The NUS MBA program was particularly well-regarded for its focus on Asian business practices, making it an attractive option for students looking to work in the region. Furthermore, NUS’s strategic location in one of Asia’s leading financial hubs allowed students to gain valuable exposure to global business practices while benefiting from Singapore’s dynamic economy.

In third place was the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in the Philippines, another leading business school that had cemented its reputation as one of the top institutions in Asia. AIM’s position reflected the growing recognition of the Philippines as an emerging business hub in the region. AIM was known for its unique focus on executive education, offering high-quality MBA programs designed to cater to the specific needs of managers and entrepreneurs in Asia. The school had established itself as a leader in producing managers who could navigate the complexities of the region’s diverse business environments. AIM’s MBA program was particularly known for its emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and management skills, and the school’s faculty was a mix of academics and business practitioners with extensive experience in Asia and beyond.

AIM’s commitment to creating a global learning environment was reflected in its diverse student body and its strong international network. The school had forged strong partnerships with top business schools around the world, which provided students with opportunities to participate in exchange programs and internships abroad. AIM’s location in Manila, a central hub in Southeast Asia, provided students with direct access to the rapidly developing markets of the region. The school’s strong connections to the business community in the Philippines and across Asia gave its graduates a competitive advantage when entering the job market.

Ranked fourth in the Asiaweek 2000 rankings was the Melbourne Business School (MBS) in Australia, an institution that was not just one of the top business schools in Asia but also one of the best in the world. MBS was renowned for its high academic standards, its comprehensive MBA program, and its strong global outlook. The school’s position in the rankings highlighted the growing strength of Australian business schools in the region. Melbourne Business School attracted students from across Asia and other parts of the world, particularly those seeking a high-quality education in business management with a strong international focus.

MBS’s global reputation was based on its rigorous academic curriculum, which combined core business knowledge with specialized training in areas such as strategy, marketing, and finance. The school’s MBA program was well-regarded for its emphasis on practical learning and its strong links to Australian and international business leaders. The school’s strong ties to industries in Australia, combined with its international partnerships, enabled students to gain valuable insights into global business practices. Furthermore, MBS’s location in Melbourne, one of Australia’s major financial and cultural centers, provided students with opportunities to engage with a dynamic and diverse business environment.

The fifth position in the Asiaweek 2000 rankings was held by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore. Like its counterpart in Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore had earned a strong reputation as one of India’s top business schools, known for its rigorous academic standards and its focus on developing leadership skills. Established in 1973, IIM Bangalore had quickly established itself as a leader in business education in India, producing graduates who went on to become successful leaders in both the public and private sectors. The school’s MBA program was renowned for its high academic standards, focus on innovation, and commitment to developing well-rounded business leaders.

IIM Bangalore’s ranking in the Asiaweek list reflected its strong faculty, which was made up of both Indian and international experts, and its comprehensive approach to business education. The school’s curriculum was designed to provide students with the skills they needed to thrive in a globalized business environment, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, strategy, and leadership. IIM Bangalore’s extensive alumni network, which included successful entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and government officials, was another key factor contributing to the school’s success.

The remaining schools in the rankings also represented some of the best business education institutions in the region. Seoul National University in South Korea, ranked sixth, was known for its rigorous academic standards and strong emphasis on research. The Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration in Thailand, ranked seventh, had gained a reputation for its high-quality MBA programs and strong faculty. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ranked eighth, represented Hong Kong’s growing role as a business hub in Asia. Nanyang Business School in Singapore, ranked ninth, was recognized for its global MBA program and strong ties to international business. The International University of Japan, ranked tenth, was another key player in the region, known for its focus on international business education and its strong global network.

Asia MBA Business Schools Ranking:
Based on academic reputation as judged by the Schools, Asian companies and some International Schools.

1- Indian Inst of Mgt, Ahmedabad;
2- Nat Univ of Singapore;
3- Asian Inst of Mgt, Philippines;
4- Melbourne B School;
5- Indian Inst of Mgt, Bangalore;
6- Seoul Nat Univ;
7- Sasin Grad Inst,Thailand;
8- Chinese Univ of Hong Kong;
9- Nanyang B School,Singapore;
10- Intl Univ of Japan;
11- U of Hong Kong;
12- Waseda U, Japan;
13- China Europe Int B School, China;
14- Asian Inst of Tech, Thailand;
15- Macquarie Grad School of Mgt, Aus;
16- Monash Mt Eliza, Aus;
17- Cheng-chi U, Taiwan;
18- Korea Adv Inst of Sci and Tech;
19- Hitotsubashi Univ, Japan;
20- Indian Inst of Tech, Bombay;
21- City U of Hong Kong;
22- Univ of Queensland;
23- Lahore Univ of Mgt, Pakistan;
24- Univ of Philippines;
25- Taiwan U of Sci and Tech;
26- RMIT Univ, Aus;
27- U of Tech, Sydney, Aus;
28- Birla Inst of Tech and Sci, India;
29- De La Salle Univ, Philippines;
30- Queensland U of Tech, Aus;
31- Univ of Adelaide;
32- Univ of Malaya;
33- Curtin U of Tech, Aus;
34- T A Pai Mgt Inst, India;
35- Univ of Dhaka;
36- Aoyama Gakuin U, India;
37- Narsee Monjee Ins of Mgt Studies, India;
38- Int Mgt Institute, India;
39- U of Waikato, N Zealand;
40- U of Southern Aus;
41- Bharathidasan Ins of Mgt, India;
42- Univ of Putra Malaysia;
43- Univ Sains Malaysia;
44- Chungnam Nat Univ, S Korea;
45- Ritsumeikan Univ, Japan;
46- Mahanakorn Univ of Tech, Thailand;
47- Open U of Hong Kong;
48- B K School, Gujaret Univ, India;
49- Khon Kaen Univ, Thailand;
50- Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Inst opf Sci, Paksitan

Source: Asiaweek 2000